You’re ready to leave the rat race, but don’t want to burn any bridges. It’s time to pull out the resignation sample letters and get the creative juices flowing. Or if your a bit anxious to move on in your life, you can always resignation samples, pick one that sounds good to you, sign your name and you’re good to go.

Regardless of your situation, it is best to be professional and handle your resignation like an adult. Regardless of the situation, you never know when you may need your ex-boss’ help or reports from our old company. It’s entirely possible that your new employer may call your current employer, and you never know who knows who. It’s a small world and you never want your reputation damaged because of a lack of interest in handling things professionally.

Before you draft your resignation sample, here are some important notes about preparing and presenting your letter of resignation…

1. Use proper letter formatting
2. Address the letter to the proper superior
3. State the fact that you are leaving and the date that your resignation is effective. Give at least two weeks, but longer notice is typically expected for executive level employees
4. Thank the employer for the opportunity they provided and how it positively affected your career

Most importantly, regardless of why you are leaving and what you think about the company and the people that work for it, do not convey any emotion or negativity in your letter. Your resignation is a business decision and nothing more. If you are dissatisfied with your employer or the way things are handled, keep these thoughts to yourself and defiantly not in writing.

Your resignation remains on file long after you leave, and you do not want to regret anything you stated years from now. This may be a great test of character, and this is a time that you must demonstrate an ultimate level of professionalism. Remind yourself how important your new job is and imagine they are watching how your resignation goes to ensure they made the right decision. They may in fact ask you how the situation was handled, and chances are they will assume you will treat your new employer the same way you treated your ex-employer.

As you are preparing to resign, it is best not to discuss your resignation with anyone. Not only can word spread and you run the risk of being fired, but you may put your colleagues in an awkward position.

Be sure that when you resign that you are ready to resign. Although that you may be giving two weeks notice, your employer has no obligation to keep you on staff for two weeks. You are an at-will employee and can be let go at any time.

Download the resignation samples to give you some guidelines, but remember to keep it short, to the point, unemotional, and professional.